SWG in my future?

[Sabot]

I have been reading the forums about maybe switching to an SWG after all these years, and going with the old BBB routine.

Below is my purchase history from Leslie's Liquid Chlorine 4-Pack of 1 Gallon Bottles, 10%-12.5% Available Chlorine Strength. The prices below are impacted by Leslie's reward dollars being applied to purchases. We usually open the pool around April/May, depending on the water temperature, which accounts for the heavy Chlorine use around these months.

	Total Cost	Cases		Gallons
5/8/2024​	$227.26​	6	​	24
6/8/2024​	$253.21​	8	​	32
7/22/2024​	$133.10​	4	​	16
8/12/2024​	$213.19​	6	​	24
9/15/2024​	$211.02​	6	​	24
10/26/2024​	$147.18​	4	​	16
11/25/2024​	$125.84​	4	​	16
2/14/2025​	$187.65​	6	​	24
4/17/2025​	$202.26​	6	​	24
4/24/2025​	$195.87​	6	​	24
	$1,896.58​	56		224		$0.12

Below is an example of just the parts, which I am not sure are everything I would need if I go the DIY route. I have more research to do to determine if there are any additional parts required. I still need to learn more about the salt needed and at what volume. The ROI seems promising. Most likely will stick with Pentair due to all of my equipment is Pentair.

NEW Pentair IntelliChlor® Plus Salt Cell Only 60K gal – PLUS60 523738 × 1 $1,661.55​

Pentair IntelliChlor® Power Center Only PowerCenter PC100 (EC-520556) × 1 $711.55​

Subtotal $2,373.10​ Shipping $0.00​ Estimated taxes $0.00​ Total $2,373.10 USD​ ​ ​

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I have been reading the forums about maybe switching to an SWG after all these years

We've been waiting for you to arrive. What took you so long?

Pick up the Taylor salt test kit, K-1766. Don't add any salt until you get a good baseline as you probably have a good deal of salt in your pool already.

Good luck!

 

[PoolStored]

Taylor salt test kit, K-1766

or this...Link--> TF Salt Bundle

If you don't have automation, and don't think you will automate in the future, same brand doesn't matter.
I'd look at the Circupool RJ-45. Puts out the same as the IC-60, and is $1000 less.

CircuPool RJ-45 PLUS Saltwater Chlorinator | Discount Salt Pool

www.discountsaltpool.com

 

[Jetjohn6]

As stated above before you add any salt get a current salt measurement first. When I switched to salt after using liquid chlorine for about three years my salt level was already over 2000.

If primary concern is $ savings consider an alternate liquid chlorine supplier. Walmart is nearly half the price though I'm sure what you're getting at Leslie's is more fresh and likely to be the 10-12%.

Be aware that when the water temp drops below ~55°F that the SWCG will stop producing chlorine so during those times you'll need to use liquid chlorine or tabs. I typically use tabs in the winter to help maintain CYA otherwise come spring CYA will be near zero.

For me it'd be a tough call to choose between pentair and the RJ45. The pentair prices are getting really crazy and there is really nothing special about genuine pentair other than being able to control the output percentage through the pentair app.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Be sure to measure your calcium hardness too because a high CH can cause calcium buildup on the cell plates depending on your other water levels. If your CH is high then you will need to drain some water out so be prepared first.

 

[Newdude]

Id gamble on the generic power supplies on Amazon. Some were under $100 last i checked. $711 for a chip and some wires is disgusting. You could buy 9 of the $79 ones and chances are, you wouldn't need to.


Besides that, the IC60 makes 1000 jugs worth of 10% LC's FC. Thats $6166 for me at Walmart out the door. Plus not lugging 1000 jugs.

 

[jark87]

Personally, I wouldn’t worry about the financial justification. It’s the ease of use. Just think of all those trips to buy LC, then lug it to your storage area, then add it, worrying about high demand times where it drops more frequently, etc. All of that goes away with a salt cell and your pool becomes almost maintenance free. For the most part, my regular maintenance is testing the water, adding about a pint of MA each week, occasionally brushing and emptying skimmer baskets. Probably around 10 minutes per week.